Private Tours

5 Day Essential Scotland Tour

The Lowlands, Northern Highlands, the West Coast and Skye

Tour description

DAY 1

Our tour begins in our beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, before travelling to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, to meet the rest of your group. Along the way you’ll learn the history of these two important central Scottish cities, before heading north into the Highlands.

We’ll stop in Luss by the west shore of Loch Lomond. Here you’ll have a chance to island spot from the shore, buy snacks and stretch your legs.

Next you will visit the seat of the Campbell Clan at Inveraray; you may recognise the turreted castle from Downton Abbey! There’s a tea-room run personally by the Duchess where you can enjoy ice-cream, homemade sweets, cakes and coffee and drinks near the beauty of Loch Fyne.
Your driver-guide will then continue on to Kilmartin Glen, renowned for its rich archaeological legacy. Here you’ll be able to examine many of the over 800 ancient monuments such as the stone circles at Temple Wood, the Nether Largie Cairn built over 5 and half thousands years ago and the Standing Stones.
Overnight: Oban – a great place to try delicious Scottish sea food.

DAY 2

Your second day is dominated by incredible castles: In the morning you’ll see Dunollie, Dunstaggnage and Stalker. Castle Stalker is situated on a rocky inlet at the mouth of Loch Laich, this incredible spot makes it a must see. You may remember it from Monty Python and the Holy Grail!

Your journey takes you through some incredible mountain landscapes; you’ll pass Glencoe and Glengarry as you learn of the brutal history that took place here. Your driver-guide will seek out the best stopping points so you can photograph this stunning Scottish scenery. We’ll also stop at Glen Shiel so you can check out the incredible Five Sisters of Kintail – one of Scotland’s most famous views.

Your day will culminate with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle*, recognised around the world, this iconic castle sits on an island where three sea-lochs meet. You may know it from the film Highlander. You’ll then cross over the bridge to Skye for your second night.

Overnight: Kyleakin, a pretty village on the east coast of Skye.

DAY 3

Day three is all about Skye! Our stop at Sligachan will welcome you to the beautiful isle with some unforgettable views of the Black and Red Cuillin Mountains. Next we’ll visit Dun Beag Broch, an Iron Age broch, over 2,000 years old. Its location; on the summit of a rocky knoll with impressive views across Loch Bracadale towards the Western Isles, makes for fantastic photographs. We’ll then continue on to Dunvegan Castle and Estate*. As the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland, there are some magnificent paintings and clan treasures on display here. There is also a beautiful walled garden to explore.

You’ll then head for a leisurely lunch at the colourful harbour town of Portree. Surrounded by high ground and cliffs; this is a perfect place for photographs. Weather permitting we’ll then go to Elgol and take a cruise* for some seal watching.

Overnight: Kyleakin.

DAY 4

We’ll spend our fourth day exploring more highlights of Skye. The entire day will be full of incredible landscapes. We’ll visit Kelsaleyre next to the beautiful Loch Snizort Beag. And make a stop at the beautiful protected Uig Bay, the seascape here is magnificent.

We’ll also stop at Flora Macdonald’s impressive grave in Kilmuir, in one of Scotland’s most interesting graveyards. She’s remembered as a heroine of the Jacobite cause, your driver-guide will reveal why. We’ll continue on, stopping for photographs at the crashing Kilt Rock waterfall and the Old Man of Storr. You’ll be able to take in the unforgettable and stunning scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula throughout your journey.

We’ll return to Portree for Lunch before heading back to the mainland for our overnight stop by Loch Ness.

Overnight: Fort Augustus, a charming village by the banks of Loch Ness

DAY 5

You’ll wake up close-by Loch Ness and have the morning to explore Scotland’s most famous Loch. You can take a Jacobite cruise*, or perhaps take a stroll around Urquhart Castle* Whatever you do, keep your cameras at the ready; you may spot the famous monster, Nessie!

On our journey south we’ll stop at Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You have the opportunity to visit the interactive visitor centre* here and learn how this brutal battle changed life in the Highlands and Islands forever.

We’ll also visit a traditional Whisky Distillery* where you can do a tour and taste a dram of Highland Single Malt! Our drive will take us through the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and you’ll have the chance to see the picturesque town of Pitlochry before returning to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.